Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: BUY LOCAL WEEKENDWhere/when: Various local shops, all weekend Why go: The Buy Local Weekend Spring 2012 is sponsored by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce and there are several benefits of shopping local including investing in your community (for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays in the local economy) and most stores will have sales this weekend. ANNUAL TOWN WIDE YARD SALE Where/when: North Reading, Saturday, all dayWhy go: Pick up a map and shop for treasures around town and at North Reading Town Hall. There are 68 …

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: CELEBRATING THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILDWhere/when: Knowledge Beginnings, Sunday from 1 p.m.Why go: This community event is in celebration of the Week of the Young Child and will feature music and entertainment, crafts, games, snacks, raffles, giveaways and more. The event is free but they would like families to bring an item to donate to the North Reading Food Pantry. READING BULLDOGS OPEN TRYOUTWhere/when:Birch Meadow Athletic Complex, Saturday at noonWhy go: The Reading Bulldogs are one of the premier franchises in the Intercity…

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: NORTH READING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPWhere/when: Clarke Park, Saturday from 8 a.m. to noonWhy go: Clean up the area and enjoy a party in the park afterward. BURBANK YMCA INDOOR TRIATHALONWhere/when: Burbank YMCA, Sunday at 7:30 a.m.Why go: All participants will do a 800 yard pool swim (32 lengths/16 laps), 12.5 miles stationary bike ride and a 3 mile treadmill run. Participants can check in between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 15 and check in with the pool staff to receive their stat card.   ANNUAL SPRING WINE TASTINGWhere/when: …

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: EASTER SUNRISE SERVICEWhere/when: Town Common, Sunday at 6 a.m.  Why go: The annual Easter Sunrise Ecumenical Service will be held by the flagpole on the top of the common in the center of North Reading. This service is sponsored by Christian Community Service and led by the pastors of the International Family Church.   READING COMMUNITY SUNRISE SERVICEWhere/when: Laurel Hill Cemetery, Sunday at 6 a.m.Why go: All are welcome to celebrate on Easter Sunday. Gather at the top of the hill in Laurel Hill Cemetery. The service is hosted…

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: NEW ORLEANS NIGHTWhere/when: Reading Memorial High School, Friday at 7 p.m. Why go: Enjoy the musical production of “A Bit of New Orleans ” from 7 to 8 p.m. on “Bourbon Street.” The event will feature a variety of music, face painting, street performers, complimentary light refreshments, and more. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center enjoy a Jazz Combo, Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students. EASTER BUNNY BREAKFASTWhere/when: North Reading Masonic Lodge, Sunday at 8 …

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: SPECIAL ELECTIONWhere/when: Saint Theresa Parish, Saturday at 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Why go: Vote for the North Reading School Building Project. SPRING FOOD AND WINE SOCIALWhere/when: Hillview Country Club, Friday at 7 p.m.Why go: The event will feature a silent auction, raffles, appetizers and variety of wines and lagers. LIVE MUSIC AT GRUMPY DOYLE'SWhere/when: Grumpy Doyle's, Friday at 9 p.m.Why go: Enjoy dinner and live music by Max Sullivan NEW TO YOU CONSIGNMENT SALEWhere/when: New To You Consignments, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.…

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas: GIRLS BASKETBALL FINALSWhere/when: DCU Center, Worcester, Saturday at 2:15 p.m.Why go: Cheer on the Lady Rockets while they play Tyngsboro for the state title. SEARS FUNDRAISERWhere/when: Sears, Sunday after 2 p.m.Why go: Buy a raffle ticket for a Kenmore Gas Grille and enjoy 15 percent off everything in the North Reading store after 6 p.m. ADULT RUNNING INTEREST GROUPWhere/when: Memorial Park, Saturday at 7:00 a.m. Why go: Enjoy a recreational four to five mile run. Arrive a few minutes before 7 a.m. The course will be set that …

Looking for something to do this weekend in Reading or North Reading? Here are five options. 1. Lady Rockets - Reading Memorial High School has earned the right to play Arlington Catholic for all the Division II North marbles at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tsongas Arena in Lowell. 2. Cleats for Kids -The North Reading Boys U18 soccer team will be collecting used soccer cleats and other equipment. The donations will be given to a nearby youth soccer program in need of support. They will be accepting any new or gently used soccer equipment. Donations of soccer cleats, shin guards, balls and goalie …

(All events are in walking distance from stops on the MBTA.) 1.) Santa Speedo Run: It’s become one of Boston’s quirkier traditions: The eighth annual Santa Speedo Run traverses Boylston Street 10 a.m. Saturday. Come cheer on the scantily clad runners, who are freezing their boots off for a good cause: The Play Ball Foundation.Take the commuter rail from Reading Depot to North Station, then theOrange Line to Back Bay Station and walk 12 minutes to the starting line at Lir. 2.) A Day in Pompeii: Find out about the final days of this doomed city at the Museum of Science new temporary exhibit, …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) BOSTON MUSIC AWARDS: The Liberty Hotel hosts the annual event again on Sunday. Tickets are $20 and $99 for VIP tickets.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Haymarket Station and walk 15 minutes to the hotel. 2.) THANKSGIVING CHURCH SERVICE: An historical service that recognizes the history of the city and the nation is being held at the Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St. The service begins at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday (preludes at 10:45 a.m.) and includes music from the Old South Choir…

(HOT OFF THE T TIP: Mayor Menino's Office Announces Discounts On Holiday Tickets, Restaurants) (All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) TOWER OF POWER: Get your urban soul on when Tower of Power plays the Wilbur Theatre, Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40-$75.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Chinatown Station and walk 5 minutes to the theater.  2.) ROMEO AND JULIET: The Boston Ballet performs this classic at the Boston Opera House Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25-$135…

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) START SHOPPING: The 25th annual Boston Christmas Festival features the work of more than 350 craftsmen and includes a gingerbread house competition. At the Seaport World Trade Center, Nov. 4-6; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; children under 14, free.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to State Street Station and walk 20 minutes to the World Trade Center at 200 Seaport Blvd.  2.) HEAR LATIN JAZZ: The Poncho Sanchez …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) MARKET OF THE LIVING DEAD: Billed as "Boston's scariest costume contest," ($250 prize), the market of the living dead is held during SoWa's last open market of the season. SoWa features a farmer's market, 130 artists and designers in a craft market, an antique market, and 13 food trucks. On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Back Bay Station and walk 18 minutes to the market.  2.) PRU BOO!: More than 50 stores at the Prudential Mall will be handing out …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) (Note: If there is more traffic this weekend it's probably because of the Head of the Charles Regatta on Saturday and Sunday.) 1.) SOUTH END ANTIQUE GUIDE: The Ellis Boston Antiques Show is returning to Boston after a three-year hiatus, featuring nearly 40 of the finest antiques exhibitors from across the country and around the world. At the Cyclorama, Oct. 20-23; Sat. 11 a.m to 8 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, free for children under 12.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) SOUTH END HOUSE TOUR:  The South End Historical Society's 43rd annual self-guided walking tour of some of this neighborhood's best homes. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25. Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Back Bay Station andwalk 10 minutes to the Boston Center for the Arts lobby at 539 Tremont St.  2.) WEIRD AL YANKOVIC: The master of satirical musical shlock plays the Orpheum, Saturday at 8 p.m.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) A DAY IN POMPEII: Get a glimpse of daily life in this ancient city before the volcano ruined everything. Hundreds of artifacts are on display including body casts of victims. At the Museum of Science, all weekend, and through Feb. 12.Tickets: $24-$27. Members pay considerably less. Take the commuter rail to North Station, then take the Orange Line to Community College Station and walk 10 minutes to the museum.  2.) CIVIL WAR MUSIC: The 2d South Carolina String Band plays a free concert at the Boston Public Library on…

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) BOSTON LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL: On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can sample locally grown food from local restaurants, chefs, farmers, and fisherman. It's billed as "a full day of diverse local foods, fun loving music and art."Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to State Street Station and then walk 10 minutes to the Fort Point Channel.  2.) THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS: The group probably best known for the Malcolm in the Middle theme, "Boss of Me," plays the Berklee Performance Center on …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) BERKLEE BEANTOWN JAZZ FEST: OnSaturday, 12-6 p.m., Boston's biggest block party gets going on Columbus Avenue and Mass. Avenue in the South End. Three stages, free performances from more than 15 artists, family activities and food vendors.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Back Bay Station andwalk 12 minutes to the corner of Columbus Avenue and Mass. Avenue.  2.) MEET CHILDREN'S AUTHORS AND HAVE TEA: At the Boston Public Library on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets for the tea party are $40-$60. …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) SOUTH END OPEN STUDIOS: On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. more than 200 artists in 12 buildings open up their studios to the public. Printed guides are available at the Boston Center for The Arts. This is the 25th anniversary year of the event. Free. Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Back Bay Station and walk 10 minutes to the Boston Center for the Arts.  GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL: On Friday, Saturday and Sundayat  Saint John the Baptist Hellenic Orthodox Church in the South End. …

(All events are in walking distance from Orange Line stops on the MBTA.) 1.) BACK BAY STREET SALE: On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay is holding its annual Fall Street Sale. Residents sell their household merchandise, books, antiques and other treasures. At Southwest Corridor Park, 145 Dartmouth Street.Take the commuter rail to North Station, then the Orange Line to Back Bay Station and walk 2 minutes to the Southwest Corridor Park.  2.) WALK FOR ANIMALS: The MSPCA Angell Walk for Animals raises money to help protect animals. Walk starts at 11 a.m…